Page 54 of The Healing Dragon
“Klause,” I say to Santiago. “The cursed book is open. We can start there.”
“The curse book talks about the movement looking to destroy the Red Book, not the powers of the Red Book when used against someone.” His body shifts fully to Matias sitting between us. “What exactly do you want to know?” He taps thetable with his index finger. “We need the question in order to find the right answer.”
Matias hesitates for a second but then sighs. “Lord Duelo wanted to unseal my magic by using the Red Book’s magic. It became clear he had no idea what he was doing because every attempt was different.”
“What did he do exactly?” Santiago leans his forearms on the table.
Matias looks at me, then down at the table like he is about to unzip his skin and let us see everything he is.
“I was not the first of his test subjects, but I was the first that survived.”
I lightly tap his arm with my finger. “Do you know what spell he used?”
If we can get an idea of the steps he took, we can narrow down the spell and see what influence the spell had on Matias.
“That’s the thing. He didn’t have one. He experimented with many,” Matias says, fidgeting with his hands.
I share a look with Santiago.
“What part would the book play?” Santiago is looking at the table with grave focus now. I can see his brain compartmentalizing all the moving factors under a spell.
Matias looks confused and turns to me for clarification.
“How did he incorporate the Red Book?” I ask.
From what Jesse told me, Matias and Bianca have little knowledge of magic growing up in Fierno. She had a crash course while here, but Matias was asleep during that time. He wasn’t here long before departing, then getting kidnapped.
“He used the book as a can opener to crack me open.” He clears his throat. “The book is like a source of magic accessible to a wielder who taps into the power. That is the only way I can explain it.”
“Does the book act as a form of stone or talisman under a spell?” Santiago asks.
In a spell, the talisman or magic stone would help power the spell by providing the strength needed to carry out the request. The remaining ingredients in the spell would be tailored for the desired results. My father was tapping into the magic of the Red Book.
Matias shrugs. Santiago rests his hand on Matias’ for support.
It’s starting to make sense. My father’s plan wasn’t to destroy the Red Book if doing so would uncap everyone’s magic. He would never want to be at a disadvantage again. He wants to be more powerful than others. After all, he never liked competition.
“I think so,” I agree. “He uses it as a part of a spell. But what spell?” I ask.
“He tried so many…” His words trail off, leaving behind room for interpretation.
“He was guessing.” Santiago whispers. His eyes drop to his hands.
“Test subjects,” I add. Finally, truly settling into the meaning behind those words. They were truly test subjects.
“The thing is…” Matia’s words trail off, then as if finally getting enough courage, he looks up and meets my gaze, then Santiago’s. “Something he did worked. The book gave me something.”
The pause that follows is only because wrapping our minds around the news is a reach. My father actually accomplished part of his goal, yet he doesn’t know.
“How?” Santiago whispers.
“I don’t remember exactly which spell did it.” Matias pulls at his hair.
“You never let him know.” I’m in shock. The mirror expression on Santiago tells me I’m not the only one.
“I didn’t want him to get what he wanted,” Matias says, looking up at the ceiling as if eye contact is too hard to hold at the moment.. “He didn't uncap my magic but knowing something he did had a result could have only encouraged him.”
“Instead, you subjected yourself to further torture.” I lean back on my chair and look at him with new eyes.
